As vocal users complain loudly about what Apple has taken away from the Maps app in iOS 6, a new report claims that Cupertino had more than a year before their contract with Google expired.
The Verge is reporting that Apple had more than a year left on its mapping agreement with Google when the decision was made to roll out the updated Maps app at WWDC back in June.
According to two independent sources, Cupertino made the call just ahead of WWDC this year, apparently concerned that the Google-powered Maps app was "falling behind Android" -- particularly given that its rival has had built-in turn-by-turn navigation for some time, and Google appeared unwilling to allow Apple to use its own API for this purpose.
The decision apparently came as a surprise to the search giant, who only started work on an App Store version of Google Maps after the WWDC 2012 announcement -- which is why users have no app to download as yet.
Contrary to what Google chairman Eric Schmidt told reporters in Japan on Tuesday, a separate New York Times report claims that the company is indeed developing a new Google Maps app for the iPhone and iPad, which is targeted for release "by the end of the year."
Hang in there, iOS 6 users -- seems like either Apple will start addressing its own Maps shortcomings or Google will come to the rescue with one of their own.
Follow this article’s author, J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter
RobK
September 27, 2012 at 8:13am
There is no Google Maps app planned guys. If the spam filter didn't freaking block me I'd post the link. Google it. It was said yesterday on Forbes.
Inate77
September 27, 2012 at 4:33pm
Google chairman announced it was on its way last night. Should be out by end of year.
RobK
September 28, 2012 at 7:03am
That would be nice. I heavily used the traffic feature daily. The one with the new Maps app is useless.
Inate77
September 26, 2012 at 4:29pm
So what's the big problem? I'm glad there is more map options. To be honest I never really cared for google maps to begin with. I've used the new maps app more since the release of iOS 6, in-fact I think I've used more times then google maps since the release of the first iPhone. If people don't like the change then don't upgrade, or do the upgrade, stop whining, and wait for the app to be re developed for its fall release.
brandonwalkermedia
September 26, 2012 at 7:03am
Hang in there? Whats the problem? I've had AppleMaps since june, and had no problem with it! In fact i could not live without it, it gets me to places faster then before. love the TomTom integration
th1279
October 09, 2012 at 12:13pm
How about these: Berlin appearing in Antarctica, Dublin zoo in the middle of temple bar, the town of Pontypridd has been moved 6 miles NW, and dumped on top of where Tonypandy should be, London seems to consist of neighbourhoods from Victorian times. Candlewick and Walbrook in the City for instance, Cities on the wrong side of rivers, Cities in rivers, missing bridges, missing sections of roads. Need I go on?
